Advantages-Disadvantages and Uses of MDI / DPI

What is MDI?

A pressurized sprayer known as a metered dose inhaler provides a specific dosage of medication. It is typically used to treat respiratory conditions like COPD and Asthma. Metered dose inhalers are simple to use. It comprises a compact, pressurized container holding medication, a dosage indicator and a mouthpiece or mask used for administering the medication. When the MDI is activated, the patient inhales the small mist or spray of medication that is released in a specific amount into their lungs. MDIs are a practical and efficient approach to delivering medicines straight to the airways, offering rapid relief from bronchospasm and inflammation. 

Advantages of Metered Dose Inhaler:-

• Compact and portable
• Cheaper than DPIs
• Minimal preparation
• The use of a spacer enhances the administration of drugs 
• Accurate dose
• Short delivery time
• Drug preparation is not required

Disadvantages of Metered Dose Inhaler: –

• require coordination between the actuation and inhalation if not utilized with a spacer
• For persons who lead an active lifestyle, spacers may not always be practical or available, and they may not always be covered by drug insurance
• High oropharyngeal deposition
• Requires propellants
• The technique is crucial for drug distribution

How to use a Metered Dose Inhaler?

Managing respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires the appropriate use of a metered dose inhaler (MDI). Start by taking off the cap and shaking the inhaler to make sure the medication is thoroughly mixed before using an MDI. To prepare your lungs, take a deep breath, then slowly exhale while standing or sitting up straight. You should inhale deeply as you gently start to press down on the canister to release a puff of the medication. Hold your breath for around 10 seconds to help the medicine reach your airways deeply. 

What is DPI?

A Dry Powder Inhaler is a type of inhaler commonly used to deliver medications such as inhaled corticosteroids into the lungs. This inhaler is breath-activated. The drug is released only when you take a fast, deep breath in through the inhaler. This is distinct from a metered dose inhaler, which propels drugs into the lungs. Advair Diskus, Asmanex, and Pulmicort Flexhaler are a few examples of dry powder inhalers. DPIs are an effective and feasible method to manage respiratory problems, but for optimal treatment results, patients must maintain adequate inhalation techniques.

Advantages of Dry Powder Inhaler:-

• Portable and compact
• No need for a spacer
• No propellant
• Actuation is caused by deep inspiration, hence there is no need to coordinate it with inhalation
• Add dose counters that show how many doses are remaining in the device

Disadvantages of Dry Powder Inhaler: –

• More costly
• The released dose could be impacted by both humidity and temperature in the environment
• Greater inspiratory flow rates are necessary for pulmonary deposition of excellent quality
• Some certain lactose
• Some have earlier expiration dates than others

How to use Dry Powder Inhaler? 

A dry powder inhaler is an Asthma treatment option for older teens and kids. A DPI makes it possible for the medication to enter the lungs deeply. These inhalers store the medication as a dry powder, as opposed to other inhalers that puff the medication. You must breathe quickly and deeply to get the medication into your lungs as it is inside a powder. If you have any further queries about dry powdered inhalers, contact Dr. Sheetu Singh, Her passion for improving the lives of individuals with respiratory conditions was truly inspiring. 

What is the Difference Between MDI and DPI 

Metered Dose Inhalers and Dry Powder Inhalers are two common devices used for delivering medication to the lungs, especially for the treatment of respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma. They differ in their features and modes of action: 

• Activation: MDIs necessitate synchronization between squeezing the canister and inhaling the drug. To ensure optimal medicine delivery, users must time their inhalation with the inhaler’s activation. Whereas, DPIs do not require coordination between inhalation and activation. The powder is simply breathed in by users at their leisure.
• Easy to use: It may be difficult for some users to effectively coordinate the inhalation and activation, particularly for young people and those who have specific physical or cognitive disabilities. Whereas, DPIs are often considered easier to use for some people, including those who have trouble controlling their breathing with MDIs. 
• Portability: MDIs are typically compact and small, making them easy to carry in a purse or pocket. Whereas, DPIs are also rather portable and small, even though they could be a little bigger than MDIS.
• Maintenance: The temperature and humidity can have an impact on MDIs and they need to be cleaned frequently. Whereas, DPIs may need less maintenance than MDIs as they don’t use propellants. However, it’s still crucial to handle and store things properly.